Swimming Pool Device

ABSTRACT

A swimming pool device includes a top platform and a framework extending downwardly therefrom. The framework includes a lower end for resting on a swimming pool floor and is telescopic to selectively raise and lower the top platform relative to the framework lower end. A step is coupled to the framework and is rotatable between storage and use configurations, the step being vertically adjustable along the framework. The framework may include four sides, each side having a step that is rotatable between use and storage configurations. The swimming pool device may include a bladder coupled to the top platform causing the top platform to float when the framework has a height that is less than a water depth adjacent the framework. The platform may include a storage container and a plurality of handles. Wheels may be coupled to the framework and may be locked in a non-operating configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to aquatic training devices and, moreparticularly, to a swimming pool device for providing a safety platformfor young swimming students as they learn swimming techniques in deeperwater.

As young swimming students progress into deeper waters, there is anincreased concern for their safety. While they need to learn to swimwithout the immediate safety of being able to touch the bottom of thepool, it is good to have either a swimming instructor nearby or even forthe student to wear a safety floatation device. It is difficult for aninstructor or other helper to stay close to multiple studentssimultaneously and there are many stops and starts during theinstruction process.

Various devices, such as floating platforms, have been proposed in theart for enabling a swimmer to maintain a position above a water surfacewhen needed or desired. Although assumably effective for their intendedpurposes, the existing devices and proposals lack a framework with atelescopic platform feature for selective adjustment in various depthsof water, adjustable and retractable steps for a swimmer to use when inthe water, and other important safety features.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a swimming pool device thatwould enable a student to maintain a position above the water surfaceeven though the water is deeper than the height of the swimmer. Further,it would be desirable to have a swimming pool device that may be movedalong the bottom of a pool, adjusted for the current depth of water, andsecurely maintained at a desired position. In addition, it would bedesirable to have a swimming pool device having a platform that remainsbuoyant if the height of the platform is less than a height of thewater.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a swimming pool device according to the present inventionincludes a top platform and a framework extending downwardly from thetop platform. The framework includes a lower end for resting on aswimming pool floor, the framework being telescopic to selectively raiseand lower the top platform relative to the framework lower end. Further,a step is coupled to the framework and is rotatable between a storageconfiguration and a use configuration, the step being verticallyadjustable along the framework. The framework may include first, second,third, and even fourth sides, each side having a step that is rotatablebetween use and storage configurations.

The swimming pool device may also include a bladder operatively coupledto the top platform to cause the top platform to float when theframework has a height that is less than a water depth adjacent theframework. The platform may also include a storage container and aplurality of handles. A plurality of wheels may also be coupled to theframework and may include means for selectively locking the wheels in anon-operating configuration.

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a swimmingpool device for providing a swimming student a place of refuge whilelearning swimming techniques in deep water.

Another object of this invention is to provide a swimming pool device,as aforesaid, having a platform mounted atop a telescopically adjustableframework.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a swimming pooldevice, as aforesaid, having movable steps positioned on the frameworkon which a swimmer may stand.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a swimming pooldevice, as aforesaid, that may be moved along the bottom of a pool,adjusted for the current depth of water, and securely maintained at adesired position.

A further object of this invention is to provide a swimming pool device,as aforesaid, in which a top platform is buoyant when the platform is ata height less than a level of water surrounding the framework.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a swimming pooldevice, as aforesaid, that is selectively movable in the water.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration andexample, embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a swimming pool device according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is an exploded view of the swimming pool device as in FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 a is a fragmentary view on an enlarged scale of a portion of theswimming pool device as in FIG. 1 a showing the top platform;

FIG. 2 b is another fragmentary view as in FIG. 2 a with a bladder in adescended configuration;

FIG. 3 a is another fragmentary view on an enlarged scale of theswimming pool device as in FIG. 1 showing the wheels; and

FIG. 3 b is another fragmentary view on an enlarged scale of theswimming pool device as in FIG. 1 showing a configuration of the steps.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A swimming pool device 100 according to the present invention will nowbe described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 a through 3 b of theaccompanying drawings. More particularly, a swimming pool device 100(which may also be referred to herein as a swimming pool safety andtraining device) according to the current invention includes a topplatform 110 and a framework 120 extending downwardly from the topplatform 110.

The top platform 110 may include a top surface 112, and the top surface112 may have a non-slip surface configuration. As shown in FIGS. 1 athrough 2 b, the top platform may include a storage container 114. Thestorage container 114 may include a lid 116 that defines a portion ofthe top surface 112 when closed. The top platform 110 may include aplurality of handles 118, as also shown in FIGS. 1 a through 2 b.

The framework 120 includes a lower end 120 a for resting on a swimmingpool floor (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3 b, the lower end 120 a mayinclude a plurality of wheels 122. Means for selectively locking thewheels 122 in a non-rotating configuration, such as the wheel locks 123shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, for example, may also be included. Theframework 120 is telescopic to selectively raise and lower the topplatform 110 relative to the framework lower end 120 a. For example, theframework 120 may include telescopic members 124 a, 124 b, and one (orboth) of the telescopic members 124 a, 124 b may include perforations125 (e.g., a series of holes) for adjusting a height of the framework120. A pin or other coupling device may utilize the perforations 125 tomaintain the framework 120 at a desired height. The framework 120 may beconstructed of a strong, rigid, non-corrosive material having themechanical properties to withstand the stresses of the loads placed uponit and having the chemical properties to be stable in water and standardpool chemicals.

One or more step 130 may be coupled to the framework 120. The steps 130may be coupled to the framework 120 using the perforations 125, forexample, though other coupling methods may also or alternately be used.Each step 130 may include a detent ball 132 or another mechanical devicethat allows the respective step 130 to be rotated between a storageconfiguration 130 a (FIG. 1 a) and a use configuration 130 b andselectively locked at those positions. Each step 130 may be verticallyadjustable along the framework 120, such as by coupling the steps 130 tovarious perforations 125, for example.

The framework 120 may have various configurations, such as triangular orrectangular (as shown throughout the drawings), for example. Arectangular framework 120 includes four sides 128. One or more step 130may be coupled to the framework 120 at each side 128 of the framework120. In another embodiment, it may alternately be preferred to coupleone or more step 130 to less than every side 128 of the framework 120,especially if there are many sides 128.

A bladder 140 (FIG. 2 b) may be operatively coupled to the top platform110. In one embodiment, the bladder 140 is beneath the top surface 112of the top platform 110. The bladder 140 may include a buoyant material(solid, liquid, or gas) to cause the top platform 110 to float when thedevice 100 is in water that is deeper than the framework 120 is tall (inother words, when the framework 120 has a height that is less than awater depth adjacent the framework 120).

In use, the height of the framework 120 may be adjusted (as discussedabove) to equal a water depth of a respective swimming pool. Theswimming pool device 100 may be placed in the swimming pool (eitherbefore or after the height of the framework 120 is adjusted) so that itrests on the lower end 120 a. If the lower end 120 a includes wheels122, the device 100 may be rolled to a desired location in the swimmingpool, and the wheels 122 may be locked in the non-rotating configuration(e.g., by using the wheel locks 123). The step(s) 130 may be adjusted toa desired height and rotated to the use configuration 130 b as discussedabove. The swimming pool device 100 may then serve as an “island”,allowing users to stand on the step(s) 130, hold onto the handles 118,and sit/stand on the top surface 112. Various items (e.g., sunscreen,goggles, etc.) may be housed in the storage container 114. The bladder140 may allow the top surface 112 to remain above water level, even ifthe swimming pool device 100 were to be moved into deeper water or ifthe water level of the swimming pool were to rise.

It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have beenillustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar assuch limitations are included in the following claims and allowablefunctional equivalents thereof.

1. A swimming pool device, comprising: a top platform; a frameworkextending downwardly from said top platform, said framework having alower end for resting on a swimming pool floor, said framework beingtelescopic to selectively raise and lower said top platform relative tosaid framework lower end; and a step coupled to said framework and beingrotatable between a storage configuration and a use configuration, saidstep being vertically adjustable along said framework.
 2. The swimmingpool device of claim 1, wherein the framework includes first, second,and third sides; said step being at said first side; the device furthercomprising: a second step coupled to said framework at said second sideand being rotatable between storage and use configurations, said secondstep being vertically adjustable along said framework; and a third stepcoupled to said framework at said third side and being rotatable betweenstorage and use configurations, said third step being verticallyadjustable along said framework.
 3. The swimming pool device of claim 2,wherein the framework includes a fourth side, the device furthercomprising a fourth step coupled to said framework at said fourth sideand being rotatable between storage and use configurations, said fourthstep being vertically adjustable along said framework.
 4. The swimmingpool device of claim 3, further comprising a bladder operatively coupledto said top platform to cause said top platform to float when saidframework has a height that is less than a water depth adjacent saidframework.
 5. The swimming pool device of claim 4, wherein: said topplatform includes a storage container; said top platform includes aplurality of handles; said top platform includes a non-slip surface; andsaid framework lower end includes a plurality of wheels and means forselectively locking said wheels in a non-rotating configuration.
 6. Theswimming pool device of claim 1, wherein: said framework includestelescopic members; and said telescopic members include perforations foradjusting a height of said framework and for coupling said step to saidframework.
 7. The swimming pool device of claim 1, wherein saidframework lower end includes: a plurality of wheels; and means forselectively locking said wheels in a non-rotating configuration.
 8. Theswimming pool device of claim 1, further comprising a bladderoperatively coupled to said top platform to cause said top platform tofloat when said framework has a height that is less than a water depthadjacent said framework.
 9. The swimming pool device of claim 1, whereinsaid top platform includes a storage container.
 10. The swimming pooldevice of claim 1, wherein said top platform includes a plurality ofhandles.
 11. The swimming pool device of claim 1, wherein said topplatform includes a non-slip surface.
 12. A swimming pool device,comprising: a top platform; a framework extending downwardly from saidtop platform, said framework having a lower end for resting on aswimming pool floor, said framework being telescopic to selectivelyraise and lower said top platform relative to said framework lower end;and a bladder operatively coupled to said top platform to cause said topplatform to float when said framework has a height that is less than awater depth adjacent said framework.
 13. The swimming pool device ofclaim 12, wherein said framework lower end includes: a plurality ofwheels; and means for selectively locking said wheels in a non-rotatingconfiguration.
 14. The swimming pool device of claim 12, furthercomprising a step coupled to said framework.
 15. The swimming pooldevice of claim 12, wherein the framework includes four sides; thedevice further comprising a step coupled to each said framework side,each said step being rotatable between storage and use configurations.16. The swimming pool device of claim 12, wherein the framework includesfour sides; the device further comprising a step coupled to each saidframework side, each said step being vertically adjustable along saidframework.
 17. The swimming pool device of claim 12, wherein: said topplatform has a top surface; and said bladder is beneath said top surfaceof said top platform.
 18. The swimming pool device of claim 12, wherein:said top platform has a top surface; said top platform includes astorage container; and said storage container includes a lid defining aportion of said top surface.
 19. The swimming pool device of claim 12,wherein said top platform includes a plurality of handles.
 20. Theswimming pool device of claim 12, wherein: said top platform has a topsurface; and said top surface has a non-slip configuration.